Santa Claus Football Game participants gather together on Saturday, December 8, 2012 at D1 Sports in Homewood, Alabama. (Photo courtesy of Randall Burchman)

HOMEWOOD, Alabama -- Santa came early for a group of young kids at Children's of Alabama. Locally-owned Birmingham Business Builders, also known as 3B, hosted a "Santa Claus Football Game" at D1 Sports in Homewood on Saturday, Dec. 8 to help raise Christmas present money for the hospital's children. Approximately 30 individuals were in attendance at the private event and helped contribute more than $3,000 toward the cause, said 3B Co-Founder Randall Burcham.

"Our number one goal was not who played in the game," said Burcham, "it wasn't even about the game itself, it was about raising money for Children's of Alabama."

Although the game was played by who Burcham described as "a bunch of amateurs," one professional football player showed up to demonstrate his support. Former University of Alabama football player Jeremiah Castille, who played under Coach Bear Bryant, partnered with 3B to help the event come to life. According to Burcham, he and Castille have plans to ensure the event continues to grow in time.

"The game of football is fun," said Burcham. "The event we put on was great, sure, but the true highlight was definitely giving to the kids."

Santa Claus Football Game participants gather together on Saturday, December 8, 2012 at D1 Sports in Homewood, Alabama. (Photo courtesy of Randall Burchman)

Burcham and his business partner, 3B Co-Founder Booth Armstrong, were in charge of purchasing the toys with the money donated. Both he and Armstrong delivered the toys to the hospital on Monday, Dec. 17.

"Doing this event gave us the opportunity to focus on what this season is all about," said Armstrong, "which is giving. The foundation of the season is to give."

Burcham added that especially now, in light of the events in Newtown, Conn., it's important to try and remember, despite all indications, that there is still good left on earth.

"We knew there would be people in the community that would want to come together and help us help children," said Burcham. "Unfortunately, our country has been struck by the horrific tragedy up in Connecticut. It's on a lot of people's minds. They are thinking about tragedy, they are scared, they are debating about how we should go about handling it."

For Burcham and those in attendance, however, the event provided them with the opportunity to inspire hope.

"What was for neat for us and hopefully for others," said Burcham, "is that this was a reminder that there are good people in this world."

Of course, he added, he realizes his contribution is but a ripple, but it's a start.

"We can't really do much to alleviate the pain of those in Connecticut, " said Burcham, "but hopefully, in a small way, something like this can help bring a smile to someone's face."

Other companies who contributed their time and money included: The Grass Guys; D1, who provided the facility; and Dr. Geoffrey Connor, a sports medicine and orthopedic specialist.

Updated at 9:52 a.m. on December 21, 2012 to properly include the donor list.